Izumi’s Japanese Restaurant’s omakase platter comes with six pieces of nigiri (front), six pieces of sashimi (back) and a tuna roll (left).

At Japanese restaurants, omakase is a form of "chef's choice" that puts patrons at the mercy of the sushi chef: You order, and the chef decides what you'll get. We gave the sushi roulette wheel a spin at several area Japanese restaurants, and came up with a few winners. »Read Full Article

While we strive for a lively and vigorous debate of the issues, we do not tolerate name calling, foul language or other inappropriate behavior. Please see our discussion guidelines and terms of use for more information.

While we do our best to moderate comments, we do not screen comments before they are posted. If you see a comment that violates our guidelines, please use the "Report Abuse" link to notify us of the issue.

Putting Izumi's and ichiban ahead of nanakusa because of how social the sushi chef is shows that you don't have much experience with sushi. Nanakusa is by far the best quality and ichiban is the WORST sushi restaurant in Milwaukee. So you'd rather want a liar serving you crap than a quiet sushi chef serving you quality? That's ridiculous.

I love Ichiban sushi and I've always had excellent experiences there. The fish is definitely some of the freshest I've come across. To me, sitting at the sushi bar is about the experience and interaction with the chef. What's the point of sitting at the sushi bar if you can't actually see the sushi being made or the chef doesn't talk to you? If I want good sushi but don't care about talking to the chef or seeing the sushi made, I'd just sit at a table.

Sushi was okay at Nanakusa but my wife and I haven't been back in over a year. Owner was cold and distant; maybe he didn't like it that we weren't in business suits during our late lunch there. Perhaps the chefs reflect the owner's demeanor. Too bad. Our waiter was great though.

Andrewallin,I have not been to Ichiban, but I have been to at least a half dozen other sushi restaurants in Milwaukee including Nanakusa and I could not disagree with you more. I felt Nanakusa was overpriced and had a cold uninviting attitude throughout. The sushi was okay, but not worth the cost or pretentiousness.

No disrespect to the restaurants mentioned, but once again, Japanica flies under the radar. No pretense; just great sushi. Also, do yourself a favor and visit Fujiyama on Monday or Tuesday for their specially-priced menu.

sashimi?nigiri?chef's choice?forget the relentless debate about where it is that we think the "best sushi" can be found in this city, let's rejoice in the unveiling of what an omakase is & that omakases can be enjoyed at our "best sushi" joints. In addition, let's applaud that this is not yet another head's up, tutorial, or review about how, where, or why a "Crazy", "Melissa", "Rainbow", (or anything with cream cheese & more than one type of mayo based sauce) makis are such great ways to be introduced to sushi, lure the "unadventurous" or indecisive sushi eater, &/or mask what it is that actually provides sushi with taste.......& please, if you are going to "entrust" , do not start believing that you are endeavoring on a "risky venture".......wow.....

Really?! Omakase is putting yourself "at the mercy" of the sushi chef? What you don't know about Japanese culture and dining...well let's just pass over that. The chef is serving you the best that he has to offer that day. You "entrust" yourself to him because he is the expert and you want to simply enjoy what he has to offer. You don't sit at the counter to watch sushi made...haven't you seen it before? Those unfriendly chefs at Nanakusa always seem to remember what I had the last time and they don't need 3x5 cards. Hmmm...maybe your priorities are screwed up.